“Qui…” I hear noises. “Pleas…” There a distorted sound that I can’t quite make out. “Wak…” I’m just so tired. Give me one more minute of sleep. Wet tear drops landed on my face. I slowly open one eye to see an innocent little girl crying, because of me “Wake Up”

“Abi I’m awake, I’m awake. Stop shaking me” Taking a moment to notice I was laying on the ground. Did I black out? Strange but I have bigger problems. Taking care of Abi is my priority. Putting my fist firmly on the floor to lift myself up. I watch her scan my body for any injury, Adorable. “Don’t worry. Don’t you know your big sis is indestructible”

“That not funny” she said, and I gasp playfully. “Quinn! Is not funny, I hear a loud bang and that startle me so I ran here and I panic when I saw you on the floorandranthinkingthatwouldbehurtandididn’tkn-“

Putting my finger on her lips to cut off her cluster of words “Abi, you need to breath”

“Sorry…”

“No, you were right. I’m sorry for scaring you”

“What happened to you”

“Nothing sweetie, I just felt” Giving her a reassure smile. Noticing the trail of weeps left in her face. I pull her close and delicately clean her cheeks “Come on sweetie, remember what I always say. Big girls don’t cry, right”

She bob her head. Catching sight of the comic book on the floor all wrinkles up with small tears. It seen better days… like a couple hours ago. “Hey, remember this” Showing her the comic I pick up and she nod. “What do you know, about Spider Man”

“He can swing from buildings”

“Yes but just like Spider Man, he never give up”

“Or you and I”

“Like I said I’m indestructible”

“No, you have to promise me” she demanded while cleaning her teary wet eyes. It breaks my heart to see Abi in this state. I was uneager to answer her question when I never been good at keeping promises.

“I… promise” giving her the reassurance she needed. Seen her face light up made me forget all about my problems. At that moment I took a whiff of something foul. Man, that a terrible smell. Where is it coming from. I pull my shirt close and figure out the answer and if that mischief smile of my sister face was any indication, I think she knew it to “Ok, I think we both know I need a shower”. She covers her mouth, but the sound of laughter still came out. “You little devil, wait for me in your room. I’m going to take a shower and read you this comic, ok?” she was silent but nod at me. “I’ll be right back” turning my back from her and walking to the bathroom. Hearing small light step right behind me. When I reach my destination and halted to the effect of feeling a light thud on my back. “I told you to wait for me in your room” Abi shook her head in the cutely undefiant way possible. I knew that she could get overprotective, but this is ridicules. “Abi” I said trying but probably failing to look intimidating. She just a little girl she has to listen to me if I put my foot down. Here we go, I’m going to say no to her…

“Fine. Do whatever you want” turning to enter the bathroom. Disappointment looming over me while she follows like a baby duckling.

____________________

Well that was awkward. Entering my messing dark room. Glad that today is done and maybe If I try being a bit more positive, I bet tomorrow will be a great day. Avoiding stepping in my cloth and throwing the beat-up comic to my desk. Lusting for my warm comfortable bed. All there left is some me time and nobody getting in-between me and my slumber. Putting my phone to charge next to me and setting the alarm. Taking my cloth off and Falling like a rock on my bed. A good night sleep is all I need, and I close my eyes just to immediately hear some sound.

‘beep, beep, beep’ the alarm from my phone activated. Strange I thought I set it up for the morning. Peeking from my eye observant my room being illuminated. The window was open, and I could clearly see the sun coming in. Nooo, not again. Pressing my head against the pillow. Whatever today is Friday. Tomorrow I can try to sleep however much I want. I thought as I sit on my bed. I Also need to check if mom back and by hearing the rumbling sound inside the house something tells me she back or we have a thief inside the house. whistling sound could be hear from the otherwise silent house. I hope is not a musical thief. Walking out of my bedroom in my pajama, arm cross with the feeling of lingering cold of the wooden floor under my feet. When I enter the kitchen, I stop my gaze on a woman peacefully drinking café on the table. “Mommy”

She titters before responding “Sweetie, aren’t you a little too old to be calling me that”. She’s was just as tall as Sarielle and has the same dark hair but their complete opposite. Mom was always laid back, relax, carefree and beautiful but that probably because I admire her, I look up to her. When I was little, I always though I be as cool as my mom. I never when through that face of being embarrassed by my parents. I don’t get to see her as much now that mom own and apartment closer to her job, she on the constant move back and forth. Always looking forward to the morning when is just her and me, just like old times. Recognizing a colorless crystal in front of her, set in in the table. “Is it yours?” she said taking a drink.

“Is Dina” Her Smile grow behind her mug with my response. “What? She forgot it” I said frowning

“I didn’t say anything”

Quinn jog to the table and swiftly took the jewel “Where did you found it?”

“It was on the floor by the hallway” she extended the cup, offering a drink but she know I don’t drink café so I refused. “Whatever” she stood up and put the empty cup with the dirty pile. “But getting something into your system might wake you up, it might help you clean up the crust out of your eyes” she mocks. My cheek turns red and I promptly clean my eyes when she turns around. “Quinn, I put your backpack close to the door, don’t forget it. Oh, and Sarielle is taking Abi to school today” twisting her head my way. I briskly put my hands down but no doubt I was caught in my embarrassing act. “But I have to head out early before I get stuck in traffic”

“Ok-” I ineptly stop “Wait! your leaving, already?”

“Well yeah, I got work” saying as a matter of fact while leaving the room. I chase after her “Momm-“ I abruptly stop again “Jinni you should say goodbye to Abi”

“I’ll be back home before night honey, I hope” Jinni said crossing her finger. Picking up her bag and stopping by the mirror, she was fixing her makeup and hair. Trying to think of something to say just to spend a couple selfish minutes with her. “Did she tell you”

“Mh, who?” she reply without taking her eyes of the mirror.

“Mrs. Sarielle”

“Oh yeah, she call last night”

“And you’re not mad”

“We can talk later sweetie”

“I like it, drinking I mean” I said while touching my short hair.

“Ok sweetie” she reply finishing her last touch on her face and preparing to leave.

“I’m going drinking again”

“Quinn” Jinni said while looking mildly amused.

“With my boyfriend”

She burst with laughter “Boyfriend?”. She looks at me with a big grin reaching her ears “Let me guess he or she is short with long brown hair and name rhyme with Tina”. I felt embarrass from the comments and I took comfort in staring at the floor. How would she even know about ‘that’. “Sarielle tells me everything” Of course. With red roses cheek I just keep my perplex expression down at the wooden floor. “Quinn” she put her bag on the floor and walk up to me. She grabs my cheeks with her soft hands and gently caresses my face and lifting my head. “Honey, you need to understand that your father not here and I have more responsibility, I don’t have time for your childish act”. I try my best to look at her in the eyes but my view down to the grown. “Remember what I always tell you Quinn. You’re a big girl now, you need to start acting your own age. To you understand me”

I gave her small nod

“Good” she started to move my face right to left. Getting anxious from her sudden surveying. “Honey you still have some crust in your eyes” I sighed not really sure why. “I mean really, what would Tina think”

“Is not like that Jinni” giving a childish pout and cleaning my eyes yet again while she ignores my comment.

Jinni check the living room clock “Oh shoot, I’m late”. She hastily grabs her bag “Later sweetie” and slam the door as she rushes out. Well, there she goes again. I Yearn for my bed right about now but sadly it must be left unattended. I need to get Abi ready.

____________________

“There you go” Quinn cheer while brushing her little sister hair “Aww, you’re going look so cute today”

“I don’t wanna go to school”

“Abi, we do this every day. If I’m going to school you’re going to school and that final”

“That not fair”

“Life not fair. Now hold still. I’m not done yet” I said while trying to keep her tame.

“Never!” moving back and forth. Eventually escaping my grip and ran out her bedroom just to stop by the door.

“Abi we don’t have time for this”

“No!” she mock me by sticking her tongue out and disappear from my view.

“Abi come back here” I must be rubbing off on her, Sierelle is going to kill me. I sigh but figure it best to deal with it now. “Fine let’s do this” I chase her, and we meet at the dining table. Every time I would go one way, she would follow the same direction, running in circle. The little devil is getting smarter, but I can’t let Sarielle find us goofing off, I got to finish this quick. Think Quinn, think.

Were in the dining room. The dining room is connected to the kitchen and the kitchen is connected to the living room but there a hallway in between the two room. If Abi ran to the kitchen believing I’m behind her she will have no other choose but to continue into the living room but if I go from the hallways I can cut her off before she make it to the next room.

Putting my plan into action. I sprinted but pretended to trip. Abi ran as fast as a bullet to the entryway of the kitchen. Perfect, Quickly and stealthy moving into the hallway prepping my plan. Hearing hard foot pounce from the wooden floor, I jump in front of her with open arms therefore Abi crash with me. “Caught you, you little devil” I playfully said.

“Nooo!” she yelps and laugh.

“Ok that enough Abi” releasing her of my bear hug “I’m not done yet”. While on the way to her room she pull her hand back jolting me a little.

“No, I can do it myself”

“Huh, but I always help you morning”

“You said I was a big girl now” she said jumping on the spot “That mean I can do it all by myself”

“Oh, I did say that… Well then I guess you don’t need me anymore missy” Abi open her mouth to say something, but she was cut short with a knock on the door. We both knew who it was. Yeah, she’s going to kill me. I told my sister to go finish up while I entertain her. Sound it like a good plan, but when I answer the door, I immediately had second though. I gave the visitor a cheery smile, hopefully she not angry about my prank yesterday. “Sarielle, it been to long time”. she looks bored “Not a morning person uh” I joke.

“Its Mrs. Sarielle” she said with no humor in her tone.

“Mrs. Sarielle Yeah, ha, Well come in”

“Thanks, where the little angel”

Just in time Abi rush out of her room “Sarielle!” the little girl rush out of her room to hug the babysitter and the embrace was return.

“Little angel huh” I murmur. Abi show up with a tie hair band. Strange, I never show her how to tie her hair like that.

“Abi, did you do something different to your hair” the babysitter said.

“Yup, I did it all by myself” Abi responded

“Well it look very lovely. Can you wait for me in the car”

“Okay!” the little girl ran off the door.

“Wow, Abi can call you Sarielle and can go in the car, no question asks. I feel like there some bias going on”

“To be fair, Abi is not a menace to my car” I was surprise by her sudden wit, letting a small laugh under my breath. “Quinn I’m sorry about yesterday”. My face was blank when I her an apology from the most intimidating women I have ever meet. “When I look back on my action, I can see that I can also be a difficult person” At this point my eyes must be wide open. Even though I’m the one who should be apologizing but I was left speechless. “Ok, with that out of the way, I was also going to offer…” she hesitated for a moment “A ride to school” I almost felt inclined to accepted just to mess with her, but I get carsick easily and I don’t want to star my morning puking on Sarielle cars and decided to deny the offer. “Ok then, I’ll be off” She approach the door and stop before exiting. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes” I lie.

“You look worse for wear”

“Oh wow, thanks”

“That not what I meant. Quinn, you know that if you ever need to talk, all you have to do is ask”. Talk about what, there nothing wrong with my life. I respond to her question by remaining silent. She wanted to continue but decided against it and awkwardly wave goodbye. I simply nodded again before she left “Do have a good day” Slowly and quietly slipping the door shut. I was left puzzle with the random act of kindness. When Checking my phone, I realizing I was late to school… again. Maybe I should take her on her offer. Opening a small section of the window blind to peep at Sarielle putting Abi seat belt on inside her car. My sister really loves her. Is not hard to see why when the babysitter pick up the scrap when I screw up, which seen to be often.

I don’t need a ride when walking is the healthier choose, right? Uh, who I’m I kidding, I can’t even take a couple step without losing my breath. No, I’ll swallow my pride and ask for a ride even if I get carsick, I’ll just tell her in advance. With a positive attitude I walk to the front door and busted open to find an empty spot on my driveway. Catching glimpse of Sarielle grey car far away… Well no problem I’ll just call her and then I remember that I don’t have her number, great. Maye I can call mom but to I really want to be a bother.

The anger building up inside me and with all my might I kick the door. I’m not that strong but I use enough force to hurt myself. Grasping my damage feet and jump with the other foot. “Ow, ow, ow” taking my key out of my pocket and close the door. My foot felt very tender, so I hop a little when walking “You’re a real piece of work Quinn. Well, it could be worst”

____________________

I’m really late today and I still have fifteen minutes to walk. Resting my damage foot on the small bridge across from school. I always like this spot, it makes me feel I’m no longer here in this stressful world. Looking down at the water wave aggressively smacking the pillar of the platform. I would kill to go for a swim but not there, that looks like it could kill me. looking up the blue sky, catching sight of the different feathered creature. Everything is just peaceful. I wish it could stay like this forever.

‘beep, beep’ The loud horn could be hear.

Oh, and how could I forget the beautiful sound of rush hour in the mourning. I should of stay home but I told Abi I would go to school and I don’t need my own sister to call me a liar. With a little motivation got up and continue my way and saw my destination not too far. Never in my life I would have thought I be happy to see school. The city stinks and I do mean that in a literally way, where is that smell coming from.

‘Swoosh’ a vehicle race next to me. Trying my best to ignore the annoying cars passing. Imagining if only I had my driver license and a car, I would totally be the envy of all my classmate. The happy though did put me in a better mood, I really should talk to mom about that.

‘Swoosh’ A van pass by hitting a puddle of sewer water and feeling the splash hit me on my legs. With a wooden face I look down at my soak cloths. Great, let’s just get this day over with.

____________________

I open my homeroom door to find the teacher abruptly stop his lecture. A bald middle age man who usually stumble his way through the lecture and clearly cares very little of what he teaches in class as he rather put a movie and sleep than give the material. Every person in this room is merely a faceless figure but I still feel their stare. My heart beep faster just by stand in the doorway. Don’t panic just stay calm, I can get through this. As I stiffly go to my desk ignoring the obvious figure of the teacher standing in the front of the classroom. Please just let me sit and continue your class like nothing ever happened.

“Oh Quinn, so glad you could join us” The homeroom teacher said.

Damn it “Well I had to show up to my favorite class”

“Why I appreciated the compliment. I still have to ask, where your backpack?”

“My backpack…” having flash back to me rushing out the door without my bag.

“Yes, that thing that you use to carry your work” I stay utterly silent. I’m not in the mood for this. “Quinn, when I ask a question, I expect you to answer it”

“Why?” As soon as I open my big mouth I knew this was not going to end well.

“Excuse me” he said

“You should be” Acknowledging the tension in the room of the other faceless figure communicated with each other.

“How dare you come in late and not just disrespect me but this class”

“At least I stay awake for class”

Snickering could be hear in low volume as the teacher was shock that the silent student would talk back “Since your witty humor is funny, why don’t you show it to the principal”

Great, Way to go Quinn.

Author's Note

(Updated)